Alarmed

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/01/06/18668439.php
Alarmed
by Ted Rudow III,MA ( Tedr77 [at] aol.com )
Thursday Jan 6th, 2011
New census figures released Wednesday show state revenues declined by nearly 31 percent in 2009, a $1.1 trillion loss. Underperforming investments by state pension funds and declining tax revenues were cited as the primary causes for the falling revenues.

Nicholas Johnson, director of the State Fiscal Project at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told the Washington Post that next year will mark, quote, "the most difficult budget year for states ever." A recent study by the group found that 40 states have projected budget gaps totaling $113 billion for next year. Forty-six states have raised taxes and made deep cuts to close a combined budget gap of $130 billion.
And the Republicans are now trying to spoil life for unions by taking away their right to bargain. They’re also pushing through several—trying to push through several measures that would make it harder for unions to collect dues money to be used in politics or just to run the unions generally. Unions are very alarmed right now about what’s going on.
“When the Nazis came for the Communists, I didn't speak up, because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I was a Protestant, so I didn't speak up. Then they came for me ... and by that time, there was no one left to stand up for me.” German Minister Martin Niemoller
Ted Rudow III,MA